Ivan Toney is not close to a move away from Brentford, according to head coach Thomas Frank.
The Bees striker’s future looks to be away from West London after returning from a ban in January and was not included in the matchday squad this weekend.
Brentford won their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace 2-1 in front of their home fans.
Bryan Mbeumo netted the opener before Ethan Pinnock’s own goal pulled one back for the Eagles.
But Yoane Wissa’s 76th-minute goal ensured the home side got off to a winning start.
Frank was quizzed on Toney’s future after the match after reports emerged that the club had turned down a £35million bid from Saudi Arabia side Al-Ahli.
He said: “It is not close.
🚨🔴⚪️ Ivan Toney, out of Brentford squad for their opening Premier League game.
He’s still one to watch on the market as Al Ahli added him to the shortlist as revealed 10 days ago, but there are also other opportunities. pic.twitter.com/ZfdbXioiL8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2024
“I think Ivan is a top player,” said Frank. “He has been a top player and one of our best players if not the best player over a long spell.
“All the top players in the Premier League, one day they will leave the club and someone will have to step up and do well.
“The fresh news is he [Toney] trained with a fresh smile, looked sharp, good attitude.
“As long as I have Ivan I am very happy and that’s hopefully for another year because he’s a fantastic player.
“We know there’s speculation and back and forths, but let’s just enjoy the moment and let’s look one day ahead and see what happens.”
Toney has scored 67 goals in 128 appearances since joining in 2020.
The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract and the expectation remains that he will still leave before the transfer window shuts.
